Determining Policy
The President of the United States determines policy. The Secretary of State carries that policy forward and executes it. There are a number of ways diplomacy is executed, all the way up to, and including, armed conflict. What MUST be clear is the diplomatic position the United States is taking when it comes to foreign policy.
In September 2022, on national television, President Biden stated for the fourth time that the United States would come to Taiwan’s aid if there was an unprovoked attack by China. Those were his words to the watching word. THAT is policy. Not voted on, not on paper, but publicly declared for the fourth time. If the word of the President of the United States cannot be trusted on foreign policy, then no nation on Earth can trust us as an ally.
Secretary of State Blinken reiterated our long-standing written policy on China and Taiwan. The written stance is “One China” among other written documents. It states that we, the United States, do not support Taiwan independence from China. I understand that is, and has been, our standing policy on Taiwan.
The question is…who determines policy? If the President says something in public, on national television that is being watched around the world, is that not policy? Isn’t he the one in charge? Or is he just the empty suit most of us believe he is?
In that same interview, President Biden also stated that “Taiwan makes their own judgements about their independence…that’s their decision.” So, does that mean we do or don’t support One China? Or are we keeping our nose out of it? What EXACTLY does that mean?
I don’t think anyone really knows. I don’t think anyone really knows anything when it comes to foreign policy in the current administration, to be honest.
You know who really NEEDS to know what our position is on Taiwan? The thousands of sailors and Marines that operate in that area DAILY. If they are moving through the Taiwan Strait, in close proximity to Chinese aircraft and warships, don’t you think THEY need to know what our foreign policy is?
I get it, more than most, those Navy and Marine commanders know what the policies are for Use of Force, for Self Defense, the Rules of Engagement, and about twenty other situational policies. They understand all of that. We did in Iraq and Afghanistan. You have to. By the way, they change ALL THE TIME, but you still have to keep up with the changes. But, don’t you think, especially at the Flag Officer level (generals and admirals) what our foreign policy position is?
You know who else needs to know very clearly what the US position is? The PEOPLE OF TAIWAN. We have several informal, but well known, working relationships with Taiwan that puts China in a position to at least consider the impact of a decision to attack. There are plenty of Americans on Taiwan. Their presence alone makes China think twice about attacking, BUT we do owe it to the people of Taiwan to tell them where we stand.
Lasty, the citizens of the United States need to know where we stand. Not because it matters to most people, because it really doesn’t. What matters is WHO is deciding policy. If we cannot believe the President during an interview on national television, especially when what comes out of his mouth is contrary to the words of his own Secretary of State, then who do we believe?
Seriously…who is Determining Policy?